The American Pit Bull Terrier

Pit Bulls are known worldwide for being inherently dangerous and extremely vicious, but according to the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. 86.8% of American Pit Bull Terriers have passed their temperament tests better than Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles. Many people don’t know that the term “bully breed” refers to more than forty breeds that hail from the same root breed. The history of the Pit Bull goes back to about the nineteenth century, during that time they were used to protect livestock, families, and even children as nannies (the Canine Journal). Today Pit Bulls are used as therapy dogs, police dogs, and of course a simple companion. Many myths about pit bulls circulate, which scares society into believing that they are dangerous to us and our families the question of banning Pit Bulls has been hotly discussed around the world, but banning Pit Bulls will not stop illegal breeding, fighting and distribution of Pit Bulls, other dogs from biting, and the problem will grow. The question of whether or not Pit Bulls should be banned is a hot topic in recent society, but the real question is should Pit Bulls be punished for the actions of their owners, or should laws be enforced at a higher degree.

Most shelters and veterinarians can speak to the fact that dogs are greatly affected by previous and current owners. Dogs that have been neglected while they were puppies can negatively affect how they view people. Anxiety medication has become available to dogs and so has forms of therapy for dog’s social behaviors. The people who own “Pit Bull” breeds are more often than not those affiliated with illegal activity and violence. Veterinarian, Roger L. Welton, makes this statement “Pitt Bulls become a danger to society when they are purposely tormented and brutalized into being violent animals by sociopathic individuals who view the dogs as a means to elevate their status by having vicious dogs protect their property, or to make them money by cruelly fighting these animals with one another. It is the despicable human element that creates monsters where there were once innocent animals with the potential to make loving pets...Rather than blame the dogs for their irresponsible, often cruel treatment, we need to hold the people who mistreat them accountable for the consequences. Search and prosecution of these people needs to be more aggressive. Penalties need to be more severe, and the media needs to care more.”(Welton, "Web DVM") People that treat “Pit Bulls” violently lead to the dangerous behavior these dogs are known for. Most

The main reason pit bulls attack is because they are mentally unstable, a mixed breed and show overbearing traits, or because they are mistreated by their owners. The public must understand that the three “pit bull breeds were bred for dog fighting and bear and bull-baiting” (PBRC). On the other hand, they were also kept as “nanny dogs” and used for herding cattle. “Pit bulls are ideal for therapy work because of their pleasant nature” (PBRC). These are three of the most stable breeds known to man. They have a very high temperament test score, 86% as of 2010, a lot higher than most breeds. “The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the top 5 most stable breeds in the country” (PBRC). Anyone can see that this is an excellent breed of dog. There are a few things that people should know though. “Pit bulls have a lower Tolerance to dogs, but with any breed, a dog’s tolerance changes as they mature” (PBRC). “Maturity can come late with pit bull breeds” (Villalobos Rescue Center). The reason for this low tolerance is because of their history of dog fighting. It has been bred into them to have the will to fight. Pit bulls usually do not start a fight most of the time, but they will not back down or give up. Due to this, owners must be cautious and attentive.

The media portrays Pit Bulls as innately aggressive and dangerous due to their past with dog fights. There are banns all around the world on people owning Pit Bulls, and restricting them on what they can and can’t do with their dog. For example, recently in Montreal Canada, Pit Bulls were banned and ordered to be surrendered, euthanized or have very strict limitations on their freedoms outside their homes (Malboeuf, M 2016). Pit Bulls in the media can go back a long time, but they didn’t become such a target for BSL until football star Michael Vick was convicted and charged with animal abuse, slaughter and illegal dog fighting (Animal Legal Defense Fund 2010). BSL is an acronym for breed specific legislation which is a law that bans or restricts certain types of breeds based on their appearance, usually because they are perceived as dangerous breeds of

Pit bulls are the most misunderstood dog breeds in the world. When people hear the word pit bull they automatically think of dogs fighting and attacking. When people say "pit bull" they're usually referring to a range of breeds and, often, a mixed-breed dog. (Lawrence, C Louisville Magazine Feb 2007) People think they are a very dangerous breed of dog. Because of this, some areas do not allow pit bulls and breeds like them. Pit bulls are the leading culprit of dog bites in America, but on the other hand, they are the gentlest dogs people will ever meet. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association

Pit Bulls are wrongly accused and killed for false actions due to countless, untrue stereotypes created by the actions of humans. Pits have been treated as the outcast of dogs for years now and it has to stop. A numerous amount of innocent dogs are being killed for these false statements. Many states have already issued BSLs or Breed-Specific Laws against Pit Bulls, these laws often have no specification of the dog itself just if it resembles any of the physical characteristics of a Pit Bull.

Pit bulls have a lot of history. Pit bulls been bred for human companionship, and since the 1900s, they have been bred for conformation showing as well. Pit bulls have been used as farm dogs, family dogs, military mascots, and all-purpose companions. In England, the Staffie Bull is known as the “The Nanny Dog” or “The Children’s Nursemaid” because of their placid and nurturing demeanor toward children. They say “Regardless of how gentle your dog is, all dogs of any breed should never be left alone unsupervised with children”.Throughout their history in America, pit bull dogs have

Some of the common myths about pit bulls are that their jaws locks and bite stronger than any other breeds. If they show any aggression towards other dogs, then most likely they are mean to people also. No matter how individuals who want to ban pit bull see it, the truth is, that people do get bitten by pit bulls, just as how they get bitten by other breeds of dogs. With such bias against the pit bull breed, perhaps those who agree to ban pit bulls should look further and do more research about these animals. Avoid behaviors that are known to lead to aggressive tendencies such as leaving the pit bull tethered and unattended, or training with dynamic correction. Don’t allow your dog to roam the neighborhood or escape because he/she is bored in your

Throughout the United States, pit bulls have been banned from multiple cities. A lot of people have given pit bulls an awful reputation. People have trained their dogs to be very aggressive so the pit bulls can fight other pit bulls. Consequently, pit bulls are not like any other dog. They are more than any other dog can be. Pit bulls make great family dogs, they have such high intelligence and the dogs are very responsible and dictate ownership. No dog should be banned from living in a certain place. Dogs are just as important as humans and for the authorities to restrict the animals from living their lives with people who will give them love is wrong. Pit bulls are typically known as attack dogs because they have such a strong history of attacking other dogs and humans. Many people believe it is because of the dog’s breed, but others believe it is the owners and how they train them. To avoid the situation, owners just have to be sure they train the dog the proper way when they are little. Many cities restrict the allowance of pit bulls living there due to the history of their aggression, animal control should make sure the house is a safe environment and occasionally have checkups on the house and owners to check on the dog. A safe environment at home is a place where the animal doesn’t get abused. Pit bulls should not be banned from living in certain places because of their history of aggression.

Although pit bulls are known to be dangerous, all dogs can act up at times. Pit bulls are popular dogs, heroes, and can show American pride.

Pit Bulls have been banned for many reasons but the biggest one is that they are known to attack people. When they are one of the most stable dogs in the country. When tested by the American Temperament Testing Society Pit Bulls achieved a passing rate of 83.9% vs the Beagles at 78.2%, and Golden Retrievers at 83.2% passing rate. The test that the American Temperament Testing Society performed was out of 122 dog breeds and the pit bull scored was one of the best. They have only been known to

As Caesar Millan thoughtfully quoted, "In the 70's, they blamed Dobermans. In the 80's, they blamed German Shepherds. In the 90's, they blamed the Rottweiler. Now, they blame the Pit Bull." All of these instances were sparked by the a danger of a single story. Many people will believe anything negative that they hear. A product could have thousands of great reviews, but the one negative comment will stick out. The same is true for the Pit Bull breed. Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes should be allowed to be kept in non-abusive homes as pets.

“In the late 2014, Animals 24-7, a group that tracks shelter killings, estimated that of the 1.3 million shelter dogs projected for euthanasia in 2014, pit bulls accounted for 56%. This is true despite the fact that pit bulls only make up about 6% of the total U.S. dog population” (dogsbite.org). If someone were to walk into an animal shelter and see several pit bulls and walk in again a month later about half of them would be gone to lethal injection. Because people are scared of them, they are not properly cared for and eventually become to much to handle and thrown into a shelter. If a mother was to not care for her child, that child would eventually spaz out and do whatever it wants, which in most cases is what happens to pit bulls. Although there is a huge stereotype about pit bulls, they can actually be very well behaved and friendly if they are trained and cared for just like any other dog.

It is just so disrespectful that people want to ban pit bulls because they can be vicious,at some point the have harmed people,but no they still can be pets. Have you ever heard of pet trainer that help you pet to behave better. Think about losing a man’s,or your best friend. How could people just be like that,”No I don’t want that dog because it bits,harms and maybe can kill people.”My dog bit,scratched me,and even peed on me,maybe you should just ban my dog. Plus maybe the person who gotten attacked before by a pit bull was doing something to it,or maybe it was on an accident.

Owning a pit bull in today’s day and age has one of two reactions: Either the person loves them or is terrified of them. There are so many myths about Pit Bulls and they are just that. Myths. Some of the myths that surround pit bulls are that they have “lock jaw” and they have a killer instinct that does not stop at just killing other animals. Pit bull advocates, such as myself, know that Pit Bulls have always been known as the “nanny dog” throughout history because of how much they love children and their loyalty to their families. Mean or vicious dogs come from ignorant, irresponsible owners. The bottom line is that not all pit bulls are bad.